Graham Alexander has questioned Rangers and Celtic’s decision not to allow away supporters to attend Premiership fixtures.
Motherwell fans were unable to visit Ibrox for the 1-1 draw against Steven Gerrard’s side last month.
Other clubs have experienced the same issues at Ibrox and Parkhead, with the Old Firm clubs citing Covid restrictions and the relocation of home fans to facilitate a safe ‘red zone.”
However, the decision has caused outrage amongst Scottish football fans and Alexander believes away supporters are ‘a massive part of British football.’
“It’s essential,” Alexander admitted. “I don’t think there is a grey area on it, I think it’s essential.
“It’s a massive part of British football. I think a lot of other countries don’t really have big away followings.
“It’s part of the fabric of British football. It’s a badge of honour for supporters to go to the grounds and follow their team - not always to the glamorous places.
“I remember us playing Formartine and Motherwell supporters were up in the trees, behind the stand.
“They’ll talk about that for years and when they haven’t got that opportunity, I don’t think it’s right.
“I don’t know the details of why away supporters aren’t allowed in certain grounds but I think it’s a little bit questionable when it’s a 50,000 or 60,000 seater stadium and you can’t find room for 1,000 away supporters.
“I’d like it to change and I hope the clubs involved will take steps to make that happen.
“I know a lot of people are missing out on a lot of enjoyment, even for the home fans.
“They want an opponent to sing against. Personally, I remember when I was a supporter and the following was big, it brought something more out of you.
“It’s an essential part of British football."
From this weekend, football supporters will be subject to vaccine passport checks and Alexander believes it’s important to be cautious over Covid.
The ‘Well boss added: “In the UK, we enjoy a lot of freedoms. We can do a lot of things that we’d love to do.
“Covid has changed that and rightly so, because you have to understand your environment and the dangers of it.
“But there has to be a gradual return to those freedoms and not just a free for all. I’m fully supportive of any steps to get back to the norm but there has to be caution around it.”
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